The Australian electric vehicle market has reached a historic milestone, with new data revealing an unprecedented surge in adoption across the country. According to the latest VFACTS figures, the Australian EV sales record was comprehensively rewritten in June, driven by strong consumer demand, a wider range of available models, and the ongoing appeal of the Electric Car Discount.
For the first time, nearly one-quarter of all new vehicles delivered were fully electric. This shift highlights a broader structural change in the way Australians are choosing to power their journeys, moving away from traditional internal combustion engines and embracing the benefits of electric mobility.
The Numbers Behind the Australian EV Sales Record
June has traditionally been the strongest month for automotive sales in Australia due to the end of the financial year, but the latest figures have eclipsed all previous benchmarks. The total new-car market saw 140,058 vehicles delivered, breaking the previous all-time monthly record set in 2017.
Within this booming market, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for a staggering 32,583 sales. This represents a 146.9 per cent increase year-on-year and secures a 23.3 per cent market share for fully electric cars — a massive jump from the 7.6 per cent recorded in the same month last year. When factoring in plug-in hybrids and traditional hybrids, almost half of all new vehicles sold featured some form of electrification.
The pace of adoption is perhaps best illustrated by the frequency of purchases. Federal data suggests that Australians bought an electric vehicle every 77 seconds throughout June. To put that into perspective, just a few years ago, the rate was closer to one EV every 50 minutes.
| Metric | June Result | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total new-car sales | 140,058 | +9.9% |
| BEV sales | 32,583 | +146.9% |
| BEV market share | 23.3% | Up from 7.6% |
| Total electrified share | 49.5% | Record high |
| Tesla Model Y (best-selling car) | 8,072 | +133.5% |
| BYD total brand sales | 18,881 | +131.5% |
Tesla and BYD Dominate the Charts
The drive towards this new Australian EV sales record was led by the two most prominent names in the electric market. The Tesla Model Y claimed the title of Australia’s best-selling vehicle overall for the second consecutive month, reporting 8,072 deliveries — a 133.5 per cent increase year-on-year that cements the mid-size SUV as a favourite among local drivers.
Hot on its heels is BYD, which delivered a record-breaking 18,881 vehicles in June. This performance brought the brand within just 243 sales of overtaking Toyota for the top spot on the national sales charts. The BYD Sealion 7 proved particularly popular, landing in fourth place overall with 4,730 sales, while the newly launched BYD Atto 2 also made a strong debut in the top ten.
This intense competition is great news for consumers, as manufacturers continue to introduce well-equipped, compelling options across various price points. Drivers looking for a premium experience might also consider the Polestar 4, while those seeking a compact option are increasingly turning to models like the Kia EV3.
The Used EV Market Is Also Surging
The momentum isn’t limited to brand-new cars. Data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) shows that while the broader used vehicle market softened in the first half of the year, demand for second-hand electric vehicles surged. Used EV sales increased by 54.6 per cent year-on-year, bucking the trend of declining petrol and diesel sales.
Furthermore, the time it takes to sell a used EV has dropped significantly, falling from over 60 days in January to under 40 days by June. This growing second-hand market provides an accessible entry point for drivers who want to experience electric mobility, and it demonstrates that confidence in battery longevity and the public EV charging network is strengthening across Australia.
Policy Support and Cost Savings
A major factor contributing to the Australian EV sales record is the ongoing federal policy support, particularly the Electric Car Discount. By exempting eligible electric vehicles from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), the policy has made novated leasing an incredibly attractive option for working households. New brands including Zeekr, Jaecoo, and Geely are now appearing in the top ten vehicles purchased through novated leases.
Industry leaders note that with household finances under pressure and petrol prices remaining volatile, the lower running costs of an EV make strong financial sense. The FBT exemption helps overcome the initial purchase price barrier, allowing more drivers to access the savings associated with charging rather than refuelling. This is especially relevant for those who travel longer distances, where the cost-per-kilometre advantage of an EV becomes even more pronounced.
While there are discussions around future policies, such as the EV road user charge, the immediate financial benefits of driving electric remain clear. As one federal minister recently noted, Australians understand that what is good for the planet is also good for their pocket.
Experience the Electric Shift
The record-breaking sales figures from June confirm that the transition to electric mobility in Australia is well and truly underway. With more models arriving on our shores, from the Geely EX5 to expanding lineups from established brands, there has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of an EV.
If you are considering making the switch but want to experience an electric vehicle in the real world first, renting is the perfect solution. Whether you want to test the family-friendly space of a Tesla Model Y or the impressive tech of a BYD, evee offers a wide range of electric vehicles across Australia. You might even consider listing your own EV on the platform to help others discover the benefits of electric driving.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, a longer road trip, or just want to see how an EV fits into your daily commute, renting allows you to explore the technology without the upfront commitment. Ready to join the growing number of Australians making the switch? Head over to evee.com.au to find the perfect electric car for your next journey and experience the future of driving today.
